Our Newest Publication...

Sex and the Seminary
By Kate M. Ott, Ph.D., Study Director
$19

Sex and the Seminary is based on a survey of 36 leading seminaries and rabbinical schools of diverse size and geographic location, representing a range of Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist traditions. Each institution was evaluated on criteria for a sexually healthy and responsible seminary. These criteria measure sexuality content in the curriculum; institutional commitment to sexuality and gender equity (e.g., the existence of anti‐discrimination, sexual harassment and full inclusion policies); and advocacy and support for sexuality‐related issues. The criteria were developed by an advisory group of seminary deans, faculty and clergy with expertise in sexuality. The survey and final report were authored by Dr. Kate Ott, associate director of the Religious Institute.

The survey revealed that:
- More than 90% of the seminaries surveyed do not require full‐semester, sexuality-based courses for graduation.
- Two‐thirds of the seminaries do not offer a course in sexuality issues for religious professionals. Three‐quarters do not offer a course in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) studies.
- Seminaries offer three times as many courses in women's and feminist studies as they do in LGBT studies or other sexuality-related issues.
- The next generation of scholars is not addressing sexuality issues. Sexuality-based courses are taught by senior professors or adjunct faculty, not by upcoming faculty seeking tenured positions.

The study also recommends that the Association of Theological Schools, the accrediting body for U.S. seminaries, integrate sexuality education into its standards for ministerial formation. It calls on seminaries to strengthen their curricular offerings and inclusion policies, invest in faculty development and continuing education, and pursue collaboration with other institutions and advocacy groups to expand educational opportunities for seminarians regarding sexuality issues.

Challenging Times Resource Package
By Various
$77 value, now only $59
Hospitality & Faith-Sharing Package
By Various
$95 value, now only $79
Sexuality Resource Package
By Various
$49 value, now only $39
Ten Money Myths: A Guide to Personal Finance for Christians
By Steve Clapp
$14 each; $9 each for 10-30 copies; $7 each for 31 or more copies.

There are many myths about money that impact our lives as Christians – bringing harm to our financial lives and our spiritual lives. This book is a frank look at those myths combined with practical advice that balances healthy financial planning with healthy spirituality. This book avoids the trite and often manipulative advice sometimes associated with Christian financial planning. This book has been written for personal use, family use, or class/group study.

The ten myths challenged in this book:
-Your worth and happiness are determined by what you earn and by what you own.
-God wants you to be wealthy; if you aren't you are failing to follow God's guidance.
-Having additional money would solve all your financial problems.
-You can't manage your finances without a budget, and a budget is a great deal of work.
-Sales people, financial planners, stockbrokers, and bankers have your best interests at heart.
-Debt is always good or always bad (depending on which "expert" is involved).
-Money problems are the primary cause of marriage and relationship problems.
-Ministers shouldn't talk to the congregation about money.
-A tithe (10%) is the correct level of giving for all Christians.
-Estate planning is primarily for wealthy people.

Sexuality and Religion 2020: Goals for the Next Decade
By Rev. Debra W. Haffner and Timothy Palmer
$13 each

In the summer of 2009, the Religious Institute convened the 2020 Colloquium, calling together 23 clergy, theologians and religious leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist traditions. Colloquium participants established an overarching vision - that by the year 2020, all faith communities will be sexually healthy, just and prophetic.

In the report Sexuality and Religion 2020: Goals for the Next Decade, Rev. Debra Haffner and Tim Palmer outline ten goals that will enable this vision to be achieved. This report is for clergy, congregations, denominations, faith-based organizations - indeed, for all religious leaders and people of faith who believe we must create a healthier, more positive and inclusive relationship between sexuality and religion.

Love, Sex, & Relationships: Healthy Sexuality for Young Women of Faith
By Steve Clapp, Holly Sprunger, & Angela Zizak
$16 each; $9 each for 10+ copies

This book focuses on helping teenage and young adult women relate their faith to their sexual decision-making. Grounded in conversations with hundreds of young women, the authors offer candid advice on selecting a partner, communicationing in a relationship, avoiding sexual violence, and making healthy decisions. Includes information on sexual response, contraception, dating, and marriage. For both heterosexual and LGBT girls and women.

A Time to Be Born: A Guide to Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Faith Communities
$13 each

The guidebook provides a multifaith perspective for clergy on the pressing ethical and spiritual issues raised by the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). A Time to Be Born addresses the current medical and theological issues related to ARTs. It also covers practical issues, including pastoral counseling, congregation-based education, written resources, and organizatinal lists.

A Time to Every Purpose: The Language of Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing
$13 each

This resource is a collection of progressive theological statements, bibliographies, responsive readings, and socioeconomic data on six issues at the intersection of religion and sexuality: sex education, marriage equality, abortion, adolescent sexuality, sexual and gender diversity, and assisted reproductive technologies. Originally published as a series of Open Letters to Religious Leaders, the theological statements are the collaborative product of more than 60 theologians, clergy, ethicists, and scholars.

LGBT Rights: A Strategy Manual for People of Faith
By Steve Clapp and Jan Fairchild
$17 each

This book provides a wide range of strategies for working on greater LGBT acceptance in congregations and in other settings. Topics include: why congregations need to involve LGBT persons; where caring clergy and other religious leaders are on the issues; making a decision to act; a factual primer on human sexuality; the Biblical basis for action; how to work with teens and their parents; worship suggestions; and how to advocate within denominations and the broader society.

The Cleveland Resource Directory
By Steve Clapp and Stacey Sellers
$15 each

Describes Christian Community's "Cleveland Project" which involved over 300 Congregations from many faith traditions in new initiatives to better prepare teens for sexual decision-making, dating, marriage, and parenting. While a portion of this publication is specific to the greater Cleveland area, you’ll find pratical strategies and a helpful resource listing that can help wherever you live.

All God’s Children: Teaching Children about Sexual Orientation and Diversity
By Melany Burrill
$7 each, $5 each for 10+ copies

As people of faith, we envision a world where all of God’s children are loved for who they are. Many people believe that God’s love and acceptance extend to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and have set out to build families, congregations, and communities that demonstrate this love, acceptance, and welcome.

But there are many concerns about how to make this a reality. When are children old enough to learn about sexual orientation and gender diversity? Will openness about these topics influence children’s developing gender identity and sexual orienation? This practical publication faces these concerns directly.

This book explains how to talk with children about sexual orientation from a faith perspective. The practical guidance will be of great value to parents, to clergy, to teachers, and to others who care about children. This is a gentle, non-threatening approach that reinforces how precious all of God’s children are.

Melany Burrill, the author of this publication, has been teaching sexuality education for young people and their parents in churches for over 25 years. She has a master’s degree in Religious Education from Wesley Seminary and worked for 16 years as a local church education director. Her love for young people and her passion for open, honest communication led her to write this book.